No band deserves as much credit for keeping the gospel of classic Black Sabbath-derived heavy metal (not to mention bell-bottoms) alive during the '80s as Chicago's Trouble. And while the group's legend never exceeded cult status, their work would serve as inspiration for an entire generation of '90s bands in the thriving underground doom/stoner metal scene.
Trouble was formed in 1979 by vocalist Eric Wagner, guitarists Bruce Franklin and Rick Wartell, bassist Sean McAllister, and drummer Jeff Olson. Drawing deeply from Black Sabbath for inspiration (with occasional nods to the psychedelic sounds of the late '60s thrown in for good measure), the band forged an uncompromising brand of classic metal all their own, made more unique by their gloomy down-tuned riffs and spiritual, often openly religious lyrics, which quickly earned them the dubious "white metal" tag. The band toured throughout the Midwest during the early '80s before signing with Metal Blade Records and releasing their amazingly mature eponymous debut (later referred to as PSALM 9) in 1984. The equally impressive (and even more depressing) THE SKULL followed in 1985 and reflected singer Wagner's struggles with substance abuse as well as the growing turmoil within the group. This led to the replacement of bassist McAllister with Ron Holzner and the departure of drummer Olson, who, as legend has it, had decided to become a preacher. Dennis Lesch was drafted as his replacement for 1987's RUN TO THE LIGHT. A three year haitis followed.
Luckily, just when it seemed that Trouble's fortunes had run out, the band was snapped up by Rick Rubin's visionary Def American Records for whom they recorded another self-titled album (TROUBLE) in 1990 with Rubin in the producer's chair. More experimental than previous efforts, the album (featuring new drummer Barry Stern) expanded upon the group's tentative psychedelic notions of the past while abandoning none of their thunderous power chords. Encouraged by a euphoric response from the media, the revitalized group embarked on a year-long tour, expanded their fan base considerably, and returned to the studio with every intention of making their next album the one that would push them over the edge. Sure enough, 1992's stunning MANIC FRUSTRATION realized all their creative ambitions, delving even deeper into Beatlesque psychedelia and featuring some of Trouble's most aggressive, energetic performances ever. But when the album still failed to connect with a wider audience (due perhaps to the grunge revolution that made metal a bad word in 1992), it seemed that Trouble had apparently missed their last window of opportunity.
Ultimately dropped by their record company (that by now was experiencing financial problems of their own), the band issued 1995's PLASTIC GREEN HEAD through the Music for Nations label. But despite offering consistently strong songwriting that harkened back to their doom roots, and the return of founding drummer Olson, the album's impact was noticeably dulled by a badly concealed weariness. Vocalist Eric Wagner would quit the band soon after (going on to form Lid) and though Trouble has been on hiatus ever since, rumors of an eventual re-formation persist.
from www.allmusic.com /
On January 26th of 2002 the event that all Trouble fans worldwide had waited for finally happened. The band took the stage in Chicago to once again pound the planet with their particular brand of doom. Eric, Bruce, Rick, Ron and original Drummer Jeff Olsen took to the stage to perform a short blistering set that announced to the world that they were back! Since then the band has been out and about in the greater Chicagoland area playing local one off gigs and headlinning various metal festivals while working on their upcoming album. In Febuary of 2004 Dave Grohl of NIRVANA and FOO FIGHTER fame put together a tribute to his metal roots by assembling a who's who of metal with his PROBOT project. The disc featured various vocalists from Dave's fav metal bands singing on tunes that he recoded the music for. Eric sang on the track My Tortured Soul. Bass player Ron left the band and was replaced by Chuck Robinson. Tragedy befell the Trouble camp in 2005 (April 1st) when former drummer BARRY STERN passed away.
Simple Mind Condition, which is scheduled to be released by Escapi Music on February 20th, 2007, will be the first studio album Trouble has released since 1995’s Plastic Green Head.
While recently commenting on the cover, guitar player and founding member Rick Wartell added, “It's fucking eerie, true to life and death. There are many subtle clues regarding the content of the CD.”
Amidst many rumors it has been announced that Kory Clarke of WARRIOR SOUL will be the new frontman, effective immediately.
The news comes as the band returns to their Chicago homes following a successful European Tour.
Trouble founder/guitarist Rick Wartell explains: "It was a mutual agreement, you need to follow your heart in this business and if you are not into it 100% then it is time to move on. We all felt it was the best thing for all parties involved. There are no hard feelings. I'm sure Eric (Wagner) will continue making music and we wish him the best."
He went on to say, "We are very excited to have Kory step in and take over the vocals for Trouble. He's been one of my favorite frontmen in this industry for many years. He will add a new dimension that we can use. It's not like we just picked out some guy to fill in, this is one of rock's most dynamic and creative frontmen in the industry. I know that when Trouble fans get a taste of what Kory does, they will not be disappointed at all. Anyone who has seen Kory with Warrior Soul already knows what to expect, and it's awesome."
Hey Guys, Congrates on the Decibel Hall of Fame for Psalm 9(Trouble) ! I met you when you toured w/King Diamond in 85 or 86, I think.I tell my kids now how nice you all were.Keep Dooming On ! \m/ \m/
Hi there, Trouble!I wanted to let you know that we're running a 15% off promotion this week on ALL services! :) This INCLUDES MySpace design, Twitter design, album design, and promotional services! Message us now!-DanaOut(Loud) MySpace Design & More
FREE PUNK ROCK NITE!! CHICAGO every last saturday is Chicago's Free Punk Rock Night at Mutiny Saturday November 28th *Voice Of Addiction *Bent Left (kansas city) *Oil Can Boys Mutiny 2428 N Western Ave Chicago
HEAD ON COLLISION'S 2009 SACRIFICIAL TOUR featuring Malas, Vicious Attack, Impale @ Tiger O'Stylies (6300 Ogden, Berwyn)
$7 cover ($2 discount password will be announced the day before the show in the Las Divas Promotions blog and texts, so be sure to subscribe to the blog and at Broadtexter - more info at http://www.meeid.com/lasdivas!)
GO TO THIS LINK TO RSVP TO THIS EVENT: http://tinyurl.com/yc4333z
£leTriKa sounds completely different from any Metal band you have ever heard. The Brazilian rhythms and the Portuguese language added to the songs makes its style unique, giving birth to a new kind of Metal. If you are really looking for something new about Metal, you should check £leTriKa out!
Hugs from Brazil, Claudio David
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[BrazilianM£TAL]
Valeu demais a força! Quando rolaumtempinho, me fala o que achou da £leTriKa. Agente junta Metal com umasparada Brasileira. Tamutendumbom feed nas rádios gringas nos quatrocontos. Mantenha contato, blz?
Eye am so fuckin' proud to announce U our New World Collaboration w/ that "hate couture for the wicked minded" Co. P.K.A. HER(M)ETIC.
Eye have just designed A ratherly appropriated shirt for U to wear during those neverending recession daze!
Once again Lagerfeld, would U please shut the fuck-up once for all & leave your goddamn designer throne to those real rebellious souls!
'O' / UNDERCOVER SLUT
Post Rectum : Now get that motherfuckin' political statement shirt before the good people decide to cease it! http://hermetic.bigcartel.com/product/undercover-slut-by-her-m-etic
Cheers my friend. Just passing to wish you a great day. Sharing a cold one with your friends is some of the most fun you can have with you pants on !!! "Fear no beer" and always, Rock Hard... Timo kaarkoski - Temple of Sin
"Glorious Times: A Pictorial of the Death Metal Scene (1984 - 1991)" is now available to pre-order for a limited time directly from the editors after which it can be purchased (at a higher cost) through cm distro.
Extremely limited TO 150 COPIES ONLY- each book will be hand numbered - 152 pages of FULL COLOUR 8.5 X 11 !!
Think of it as a family photo album for the death metal scene of that era. Inside the book you will find many never before seen pictures coupled with personal tales (personal memories and stories, not the same crap that's been retold in interview after interview) from the bands, 'zine and other notables of the era.
A book like this has never been made before and may never be made again so get it while you can.
For a full list of the bands in the book go to www.myspace.com/glorioustimesdeathbook
For a brief time the book will is being made available for the rock bottom price of $36 US dollars (for north american orders, postage included) and $39 US dollars (rest of world, postage included), make payments through paypal to glorioustimesdeathbook@gmail.com - it's that simple, just enter the email address an it's on the way.
After a brief period the rates will rise to match what CM distro will charge, so be sure to place your order now at this discounted rate. wholesale rates are available for orders of 5 or more, if interested send an email to glorioustimesdeathbook@gmail.com to inquire about those rates.
BANDS, LABELS,ETC SEND TO US PROMO MATERIAL FOR REVIEW BY MAIL(NO DOWNLOAD!) STRYKE VIRTUAL METAL MAGAZINE & PROMOTION www.strikemet.com www.myspace.com/strikemg MAILING ADRESS: EDUARDO DE SOUZA BONADIA RUA EPAMINONDAS NEVES 157 JARDIM ASTRO SOROCABA/SP CEP 18017-290 BRASIL E-MAIL: strikemag@ig.com.br FROM 1995 UNTIL 1999 PRINTED MAGAZINE- SEVEN ISSUES/ SINCE 1999 AS WEBZINE-NO RIP OFFS REVIEW IS GUARANTEED-POSSIBLE INTERVIEW!!!
Support Chicago music! Our friends and fellow Chicago band Two Ton Anvil have just released their first video from their upcoming self titled debut CD release. We are about to sign with a label and get the CD (which is done) released! Please blog/bulletin/comment/message - anything you can do to help spread the word is appreciated. Also on your email, Facebook, and Twitter pages... Could you please pass this on to someone you think would also be interested. Thanks! Support your local music and TWO TON ANVIL!
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